Which iMac is right for me?

Okay, so I've really been wanting an iMac. My computer is really crappy so I want to replace it. I just wanted to ask, which iMac model is right for me?
-I'm thirteen
-i'll be using this computer mainly for internet usage
-i will be running games on it such as steam games (since steam is now available on the imac) tf2, portal, half-life2, crysis (PC games will be run through bootcamp)
-i have a ton of movies and music and photos
-for now, money is a problem (my family is sorta on a budget) but i wont mind having to wait a year or so...
Well this is the first time im planning on getting a mac and no one in my family has one so i really need advice. I just decided to go with the iMac because it seems to have a real ease of use and easy to manage all my media on it, plus i want to clear up some desk space...and it looks cool haha...Thank you!

P.S. Oh also tips on how to move my files to my new computer would be appreciated!

P.S.S. Is it possible that if i buy a lower end model first, that i will be able to purchase or upgrade to a higher-end model (like the 27" i7 model) in the
future w/o paying to full price?

Well, in case that you are a newbe in mac world I suggest to start first with base model of iMac (i5, 1TB, 4GB RAM). When you get use to it of course you can upgrade it. Maybe another 4 Gb ram or more. i5 CPU will be just fine for purpose because there is no such difference between i5 and i7 in word of internet and multimedia usage as you said you'll use it. So, my advice is to save some money for RAM upgrade later and you'll be just fine. Also, I don't think that 2TB is smart buy option regards of some problems.

Again, think twice before you decide about iMac. Maybe some MBP 15" is good solution for start, at least you can sell it after year or so without loosing much money and then get an iMac. I'm telling you this because I believe that next gen of iMac's would be much much more better in word of performance (SSD,i9 or somthing,8 or even 12GB RAM,better graphic) but at prices as today are . Technology is growing every day, good stuff is coming out and prices are going down. Every day trust me.

Depending on how big or small your budge is, how about a Mac Mini instead? The specs aren't terribly bad, it costs a lot less than an iMac and you get to reuse your PC's keyboard (usb), mouse (usb) and monitor on it.

Well, in case that you are a newbe in mac world I suggest to start first with base model of iMac (i5, 1TB, 4GB RAM). When you get use to it of course you can upgrade it. Maybe another 4 Gb ram or more. i5 CPU will be just fine for purpose because there is no such difference between i5 and i7 in word of internet and multimedia usage as you said you'll use it. So, my advice is to save some money for RAM upgrade later and you'll be just fine. Also, I don't think that 2TB is smart buy option regards of some problems.

Again, think twice before you decide about iMac. Maybe some MBP 15" is good solution for start, at least you can sell it after year or so without loosing much money and then get an iMac. I'm telling you this because I believe that next gen of iMac's would be much much more better in word of performance (SSD,i9 or somthing,8 or even 12GB RAM,better graphic) but at prices as today are . Technology is growing every day, good stuff is coming out and prices are going down. Every day trust me.

Sorry for my english, I hope you understand the point.

Click to expand...

Thanks! Actually i think i might consider looking at macbookpros first then an imac.

For a computer, do you need "portability", or a large screen desktop model? This is the 1st question to be answered?

For usage, must you run Windows apps (like at school or Tax programs) or do you have a freedom to run only Mac programs? This is the 2nd question that needs to be answered.

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For my family, we bought a 17.3" laptop for our mandatory Windows xx programs. Programs we must run and still have "portability" for room to room Internet access. And, allow HDMI connectivity to our large screen TV. This winter (before Christmas), I'll be getting a Desktop iMac 27" - for our Multimedia and HD movie playing... Thus, best of both worlds....

After running both platforms for a few years and when each machines needs to be replaced, we'll focus on a new platform(s) then. re: Only Mac, only Windows or continue with both platforms.

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